Calli's Baby Shower

     

     We can't wait to meet this sweet baby boy!

Choir Attendance Awards

     Last night was a big night of celebrations at the Shaw house! The boys had perfect attendance for children's choir during the fall semester. Miss Karice ordered them medals, but they hadn't come in yet, so she surprised them with big bags of their favorite candy. We love and appreciate Miss Karice so much!

Service Award

     My mom received the cross award at our church tonight in recognition of her faithful service to our church. She has faithfully served in the preschool ministry for many years. 

We love you, Grammie!!! We're so proud of you!!!

Bedtime Prayers

"God, please help my mommy and daddy have a good day tomorrow."~Logan

"God, please help me not complain and eat my dinner tomorrow night."~Lucas*

*After a two hour fight about dinner tonight. 

Papaw's Birthday

      We headed out to Weatherford yesterday to celebrate Papaw's birthday. The boys love the freedom they have out there. Papaw bought them a four wheeler and dirt bike to ride. Even though it was cold, they were begging to go out and ride. Yes, that is Lucas driving the four wheeler by himself.

      Justin has grown so much just since Christmas. He walked in and hugged me and I was like, "Whoa!".  

      Papaw grilled hamburgers, and Grandma made tater tots and cookies. I made a strawberry cheesecake, one of Papaw's favorite desserts. We had a nice lil lunch to celebrate Papaw. We gave him a gift card to one of his favorite restaurants. Of course the boys are already begging to go back and ride their toys. They love country life and they love their Papaw so much! 

Saturday Snapshots

A few snapshots from our week:

      Logan is our own lil Dr. House in the making (hopefully minus the bitterness and inappropriateness. Ha!). He sketched and labeled a picture of himself on my whiteboard and was examining it. When asked, he informed me he was "trying to diagnose his side pain." Then he showed me how it hurts on both sides but not all the way across so maybe it's not related to his tummy issues. 

      The boys did homework in the salon while I got my hair done. Good thing Nonnie loves them so much and, she was so gracious about that circus. They were very well behaved, but we won't do that again anytime soon. 

 

      Lucas is loving basketball! He's improving so much, but the most important thing is he's having fun. 

      We showed our Tide pride as we cheered them on to their 16th national championship. Roll Tide!

I wore the Bama vest Joshua bought me for Christmas with my houndstooth scarf to school on Monday. A couple of people told me they were curious about what I would wear that day. I guess people know I'm a little bit of a fan. Ha! 

Two Years Later

     It has been two years since I heard the words that ended my world-"There's no heartbeat." Those words shred my heart and bring tears to my eyes still. 

     I think about our baby every day. Over the course of the last year, I've gotten to the place where I can sometimes talk about her and/or the miscarriage without crying. I count that a victory. It's been a long time since I cried myself to sleep (that streak may end tonight though). I count that a victory too. 

    I think about her every day. Every day my heart aches for her. I wonder what she would look like. What her personality would be. There are days when the overwhelming grief comes out of nowhere and it feels like it did that first day. But those days do not occur as frequently as they once did. 

     I'm realizing that letting go of my grief doesn't mean I let go of her. Liana changed me. A big part of who I am today is because of what the Lord has taught me through this. 

     God is good even in the most difficult circumstances. He is faithful. He heals. He restores. I know because He is and is doing these things in my life. 

     Two years ago I decided I wanted to walk through this and look more like Jesus on the other side. It's still my desire. 

Luc's First Day of Spring Semester

     Today was Lucas's first day of spring semester. I can't believe he's halfway through kindergarten. We started the day with his favorite breakfast-pancakes. His favorite part of his day was centers because in one of them he got to play a game. Of course he was excited to see his teacher and friends. It's going to be a great semester!

First Day of Spring Semester

     Logan survived the first day of

Spring  semester. I baked him cinnamon rolls-his favorite breakfast. He was excited to see his teachers and friends. He lamented in the car about the TONS of homework he had. Then it all took less than an hour. His favorite part of the day-doing math. 

    I survived too. I was so glad to see my students. I had a good laugh when a couple of friends said they wanted to see what I was wearing today since Bama is playing for the championship tonight. They know me so well. My favorite part of today-a fresh start. It's going to be a great semester!

Visit with Grandpa & the Girls

     Yesterday we went to visit Grandpa. He was napping in the recliner watching Fox News when we arrived. His color is so much better. He was so happy to see me when he woke up. He smiled and patted my face. Then he told me I was slumming it because I was wearing yoga pants and had no make up on. I just laughed. One of the things I love about Grandpa is you know exactly what he's thinking. And where you stand. Always. Of course he was thrilled to see Joshua and the boys too. 

      The boys love that they can play with the girls. JJ just adores Luc and thinks he's the funniest thing ever. She was belly laughing because he was pretending to eat her play food. Then we were all laughing at her. CJ loves for Lo to carry her around. Even though she's tiny, she's still half Lo's size. 

     

     I'm so thankful God has allowed us this time to enjoy with Grandpa. 

Lucas's First Basketball Game

     Lucas's first basketball game was tonight. It was hilarious! Seriously it was a comedy of errors. And yet they managed to win. We stopped for a lil treat at Sonic to celebrate his first game. I'm so proud of Lucas and his team. Go Cavs!

Lucas's Basketball Practice

     Tonight was Luc's final practice before his first game. He's so excited. And he was really excited to see his buddy Anderson. They practiced some drills and scrimmaged.  At the end, they received their uniforms. He's more than ready for his game tomorrow!